You will learn how to find and identify creek critters (macroinvertebrates) living in Popes Head Creek, and generate Stream Health Reports based on your findings using the Creek Critters smartphone app. The stream site is a 10-minute downhill walk from the parking area. Participants will work in shallow water (less than 10 inches deep).

Fairfax County’s Environmental Vision Update Kambiz Agazi, Fairfax County Environmental Coordinator Fairfax County’s environment is resilient, but not indestructible. It is the county’s overarching vision to attain a quality environment that provides for a high quality of life and is sustainable for future generations. While it is not an action plan, Fairfax County’s Environmental Vision is important because it helps to guide the county’s environmental sustainability initiatives and programs. Set aside the morning of the 12th and enjoy a hot buffet breakfast while listening to a great presentation on an ecological topic. $10 payable at the door, no need to RSVP.

Audubon Society of Northern Virginia is pleased to offer a full scholarship and transportation to “Sharing Nature: An Educator’s Week,” July 16-21, 2017, at National Audubon Society’s Hog Island Camp in Maine.

Applicants must be classroom teachers, specialists, or school administrators working in: Alexandria City, Falls Church City, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun or Prince William counties.

The winner is expected to develop a new or enhance an existing conservation-themed project for students. Past projects have included: developing wildlife-friendly habitat at schools, building and maintaining a Bluebird Trail and conducting nature-themed in-service programs for teachers. ASNV will assist the winner in completing their project by offering resources, professional advice, and program support as needed.

Participants in Educator’s Week learn practical approaches to environmental education during this action-packed program. Experienced and enthusiastic instructors share their favorite approaches, methods, and activities for engaging both children and adults with nature.

Workshops using art, music, theater, journaling and other disciplines will be presented, as well as a host of classic Audubon Camp field trips, including a boat trip to the restored Atlantic Puffin and Tern colony on Eastern Egg Rock, intertidal explorations and hiking through Hog Island’s unspoiled spruce-fir forest. These experiences provide a wonderful opportunity to learn outside in a beautiful setting, while considering how to use this new knowledge with your students back home. During the week educators will explore citizen science methods, creating inquiry-based lessons on birds and other topics and demonstrating both low and high-tech methods of teaching.

2016 Winner, Kate Sydney, Glebe Elem., Arlington

2017 Winner, Morgan Ochuizzo, Fairfax Schools

Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) are available for completing the course from the University of Southern Maine